3. No Value in Return
Rumors have circulated that the Heat have discussed a possible trade involving ‘Rio with the Memphis Grizzlies.
The Grizzlies are a veteran-laden team, who hope to finally get over the hump and win a championship in 2015-16. Clearly, their starting point guard Mike Conley is not going anywhere.
The issue is their lack of depth behind Conley. His current backups include Beno Udrih and Russ Smith. In other words, the Grizzlies have a huge hole in regards to their lack of depth at the point guard position.
This is the void Memphis hopes Chalmers can fill. Having said that, what benefit does the Heat receive by jettisoning the eight-year guard?
Yes, we know that Miami wants to benefit from relief in their luxury tax fines at the end of the season. However, in regards to their own quest for a championship this season, how does it benefit the Heat?
The Grizzlies are operating above the NBA salary cap and do not have a large enough trade exception to take on Chalmers’ contract. This means the team would have to give salary in order to receive salary.
That means Memphis will have to trade a player to Miami to receive Chalmers. The options are essentially Vince Carter or Matt Barnes in exchange for ‘Rio.
With Carter having a $4 million cap figure for 2015-16 and Barnes having a $3.5 million one, it would defeat the Heat’s purpose of trading Chalmers—lowering the team’s payroll.
Next: Clutch Gene
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